Explore 131 Holidays with a twist Collections - Atlas Obscura
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Holidays With A Twist

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So sweet and adorable, you almost forget it's based on an ancient bloodsucking sea creature.
food

Meet the Sweet Sea Monster of Portuguese Christmas

Lampreia de ovos comes loaded with sugar, eggs, and the long history of glorifying a most peculiar parasite.
Dania Rodrigues December 16, 2022
Columbus, Texas

Santa Claus Museum

An entire home filled with over 3,000 pieces of Santa memorabilia in glass cases, walls, on Christmas trees, and even in the bathroom.
santa claus

Remembering When Mrs. Claus Cracked the North Pole's Glass Ceiling

In the 19th century, the character embodied debates about women’s rights—and occasionally got a sleigh ride of her own.
Maura Ives December 20, 2021
Have your Christmas tree and drink it too!
trees

How to Turn Your Christmas Tree Into Cocktails

Cooking with evergreens has a long history.
Julia Georgallis December 14, 2021
Medford, Massachusetts

Site of 'Jingle Bells' Composition

The classic Christmas carol was written at this Massachusetts tavern in 1850.
Behold Martin Lersch's extremely efficient cookie cutter.
mathematics

The Satisfaction of Mathematically Efficient Christmas Cookies

If only there were a cookie-cutter solution.
Isaac Schultz December 23, 2020
In 2016, tires were the stars of the show.
holiday

The Australian Town That Turns Trash Into Christmas Trees

Lismore's festive trees are made out of glorious garbage.
Vivienne Pearson December 23, 2020
The purple hue traditionally comes from pirurutong rice, but cooks often use ube flavoring for color.
holidays

Why Filipino Christians Greet the December Dawn With Purple Rice

Puto bumbong is a sweet, post-mass breakfast during Simbang Gabi.
Pam Casis December 22, 2020
The Elevated Wild team calls their cannibal sandwiches the Jack London, in honor of the author's devotion to them.
holiday

In Wisconsin, Christmas Calls for Raw Meat on Rye

Despite health warnings, the region's cannibal sandwiches remain popular.
Amiee Maxwell December 22, 2020
Ponche Navideño is now far easier to make in the U.S.
food

This Christmas Punch Requires a Formerly Forbidden Fruit

Importing golden tejocotes to the U.S. is finally legal.
Anne Ewbank December 21, 2020
A pinch of salt makes snapdragon's flames flare golden, for a second.
victorian

How to Play a Fiery Victorian Christmas Game and Not Get Burned

Snapdragon is not for the faint-hearted.
Anne Ewbank December 16, 2020
The yellow buns are bright as the morning sun.
saints

Detangling the Devilish Origins of Scandinavia's St. Lucia Buns

The story of this saffron-hued swirl has become as twisted as its dough.
Sam O'Brien December 11, 2020
The cocktail is warm, hearty, and festive.
holidays

This 19th-Century Cocktail Still Fights Cold Nights in the Midwest

The Tom and Jerry is a Christmas staple.
Rohini Chaki December 10, 2020
The recipe below makes a healthy amount of boilo, for a party or winter-long sipping.
food

This Pennsylvanian Winter Punch Is Sweet, Spicy, and Possibly Explosive

Boilo is a favorite across coal country.
Anne Ewbank December 9, 2020
Olaus Magnus's 1555 "A Description of the Northern Peoples" includes an early depiction of a farmhouse spirit. He stands in the center, sweeping the barn.
christmas

The Danish Christmas Porridge That Appeased a Vengeful 'House Elf'

Once a magical, murderous farmhand, the nisse has transformed into a beloved holiday figure.
Sam O'Brien December 9, 2020
Moose Milk is smooth, creamy, and potent.
holidays

Meet 'Moose Milk,' the Wintry Cocktail of the Canadian Military

Knock out the year with an elixir that can pacify an army.
Rachel Rummel December 15, 2021
Siyazan, Azerbaijan

Candy Cane Mountains

Swirling layers of white and red rock earned these mountains their festive nickname.
Issa Kassissieh on his holiday rounds. A large poster of him as a basketball player is visible on the wall.
santa claus

Meet the Only Certified Santa in the 'Ho Ho Holy Land'

Issa Kassisieh has turned his centuries-old family home into a Christmas wonderland.
Gitit Ginat December 23, 2019